The (Very Slow) Growth of the Sugar Maples

When we first moved to Gael Glen Farm we decide to prioritize improvements to the property that would require a long time to grow before they would provide the benefit for which they were planted.  As such, one of the first tasks we undertook was planting a bunch of new trees.  In addition to the apple and pear trees we planted in the orchard, we also planted four sugar maple trees bordering the driveway.  Our hope is that one day they will be big enough to tap to make maple syrup - though, at the rate they are growing that day is likely a very, very long way off.

Our four sugar maple trees.  We have big plans for these little guys!

While making our own maple syrup seems like a bit of a pipe dream at this point, we have friends who live on a property nearby with mature maple trees that they tapped for the first time this spring.  They boiled down the sap on their kitchen stove and were able to make their own homemade maple syrup!  We have yet to taste test the fruits of their labour but we think it is so cool that they did it.  DIY maple syrup - who would have thought?!